Training device for golfers



May 5, 1970 v. L. GENTILE TRAINING DEVICE FOR GOLFERS Filed Sept. 25. 1967 FIG.4

INVENTOR VINCENT L GENTILE United States Patent 3,510,135 TRAINING DEVICE FOR GOLFERS Vincent L. Gentile, 1640 N. 78th Court, Elmwood Park, Ill. 60635 Filed Sept. 25, 1967, Ser. No. 670,088 Int. Cl. A63b 69/36 US. 'Cl. 273-183 3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The disclosed apparatus consists of three major parts: a vertically adjustable guide stand that consists of a base to which is secured a vertically adjustable tubular member, called a swing arm holder, to the upper end of which is adjustably secured a horizontally disposed padded swing arm having an outer end against which the golfer places the back of his head; a mat on which the golfer stands and which indicates the position the golfer places his feet when swinging his club to hit the golf ball; and a hitting mat, a rectangular mat having a plurality of equally spaced and parallel guide lines thereon in both the longitudinal and lateral directions.

It is the principal object of this invention to provide a training device for golfers that will provide a better method of making the proper swing of the club at the golf ball by giving the correct position of the golfers head and feet while performing this part of the play.

Another object of this invention is to provide a training device for golfers that does not require the attention of an instructor when one is using the device for improving his game of golf.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a training device for golfers that can be adjusted to a golfer of any height and for use in teaching the proper swing with either a wood or an iron golf club.

Other and further objects and advantages of this invention will no doubt appear as the reading of this specification and its appended claims proceeds and the accompanying drawing is examined.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of this invention in actual use.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the vertically adjustable guide stand.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the vertically adjustable guide stand.

FIG. 4 is a top view of both the mat on which the golfer stands and the hitting mat.

In the accompanying drawing, like parts are indicated by like reference numbers throughout the several views of this invention.

Looking now at the first three views of the accompanying drawing, it will be seen that this invention embodies the aforesaid vertically adjustable guide stand 7 which consists of a horizontally disposed triangular-shaped flat base 8 having a vertically disposed tubular socket 9 located on the apex of the aforesaid base 8. A tubular member 10 has its lower end resting in the aforesaid socket 9 to which it is secured by means of the thumb screw 11. A round bar 12 is slidaibly mounted within the aforesaid tubular member 10. The bar 12 is held in the desired vertical position by means of the thumb screw 13'. The upper end of the aforesaid round bar 12 is bent or otherwise formed into a horizontal position to terminate in the curved padded swing arm 14 whose outer end is provided with the padded knob 15 that is actually a rest against which a golfer places the back of his head when using this novel training device, as is clearly shown in FIGURE 1 of the accompanying drawing.

Patented May 5, 1970 Looking now at FIG. 4 of the drawing, it is seen that there is herein provided a rectangular mat 16 which is provided with a plurality of spaced openings 17 along one longitudinal edge thereof in which fits the vertically disposed pins 18 of the aforesaid base 8 when this nvention is assembled for use. A plurality of foot positions 19 are clearly marked in any desired manner on the upper surface of the aforesaid mat 16. A second mat, that is called the hitting mat 20, as previously noted by name, is located to the right of the aforesaid mat 16, as one can readily see by looking again at FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawing.

While FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawing clearly shows the experienced golfer the way in which this invention is used, the actual use of this training device is herein stated in some detail for those having little or no experience in the art.

The golfer stands on the aforesaid mat 16 with his right foot on position 21 when he desires an open stance for pitch, chip, blast or fade shot; a square shot foot position 22 is used when using medium or long irons and fairway 'woods; the closed position indicated by the numeral 23 is used for driving or hook shots. The aforesaid vertically adjustable guide stand 7 is so placed and adjusted that the back of the head is resting against the aforesaid padded knob 15, as is clearly shown in FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawing. This adjustment of the stand 7 is made for comfortable stance, club length, and size of the golfer.

A plastic or regulation golf ball (not shown in any of the views of the accompanying drawing) is now placed on the proper guide line of the hitting mat 20 of this invention for the desired shot. The important point now is to solo the golf club head behind the balls perpendicular line of the intended flight, then step into the correct stance, placing ones head against the knob 15, as already mentioned, but not pressing backward against the knob 15, just feeling the knob touch the head. Now, forward press, if you desire, and proceed into back swing using both hands. Follow the guide lines on the mat 20, keeping the left arm straight but not rigid backward and upward, right elbow pointed down and close to right side, continue upward and around until you touch the swing arm which will stop an overswing, and create a positive hesitancy or pause which is essential before the start of the downswing. With left hand leading, start on downward swing and, when hands are in hitting area approximately right hip high, lash into the ball using the guide lines for follow through. Continue on upward, striking the swing arm which will then swing away from the back of the head, thus giving you the complete follow through.

This novel invention of mine is subject to any changes one may care to make in the construction of the same in so long as the changes fall within the scope and intent of the appended claims.

What I now claim as new is:

1. A training device for golfers, comprising a vertically extending guide stand member, a guide swing arm extending horizontally from said guide stand member, means for vertically adjusting the guide swing arm with respect to said guide stand member and for securing said arm to said member in any adjusted position, a padded knob secured to the outer end of said arm, the portion of said arm which is adjacent to said knob is also padded and upwardly arched.

2. The invention of claim 1 in which there is a flat base with a straight edge secured to the lower end of the vertically extending member, a mat with a straight edge, on which mat the golfer stands, and securing means including spaced pins and openings for securing said edges of the base and mat together.

3. .The invention of claim 2 in which thereis a second mat on which the ball is placed when one is training with the said invention.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,469,301 5/1949 Johnston 273188 3,341,200 9/1967 Brandley 27326 1,854,392 4/1932 Bambrick 273190 4 3 1,936,143 11/1933 Shea 273190 2,992,005 7/1961 Lockhart 273---183 FOREIGN PATENTS 378,238 8/1932 Great Britain.

GEORGE J. MARLO, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 273186, 187, 189 

